To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether primrose oil for the treatment of arthritis is included in the list of items available on prescription under the national health service; and if he will make a statement.

Medicinal products which the Licensing Authority has on advice judged to be safe and efficacious are generally available on the NHS. One evening primrose oil product is licensed for the treatment of atopic eczema and is prescribable on the NHS for that purpose. No evening primrose oil product is licensed for the treatment of arthritis.The Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances advises the Health Departments as to the circumstances in which unlicensed products may be regarded as drugs and has considered evening primrose oil products from time to time but has not been satisfied that they have a therapeutic use in the treatment of arthritis.